Why he’s dangerous: Dunlap can putt like you wouldn’t believe. He makes 40-foot putts that matter – NCAA Championships for his team to advance into a playoff and the Porter Cup on the 72nd hole to place solo second – and that will help in the U.S. Amateur, especially during match play. He also progressed nicely throughout the summer with better finishes week after week.

“My hard work is paying off. I was coming off (shoulder) surgery in November,” Dunlap said. “I played good at NCAA regionals and then played great at NCAA Championships, so I think I had a mini hangover from those two events. And I’ve been eliminating any short sided mistakes.”

Dunlap is definitely on the short list of players to watch for one of the last five spots on the Walker Cup team. If he goes far at The Country Club, don’t be surprised if he’s on Team USA in September.

“That’s been my goal. That would mean everything,” he said. “The chance to play for your country and any opportunities to support the red, white and blue would be a dream come true. … I love my country and I would love to bring hardware home for this nation.”

Bill Walbert couldn't make his qualifier for the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship. Luckily, his partner Brent Grant shot 9-under 63 playing his own ball to earn the pair a trip to The Olympic Club next year.

Teen qualifies for U.S. Am Four-Ball without partner

Brent Grant, 18, qualified for the 2015 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship without his partner.
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Photo Courtesy of Hawaii State Golf Association
)

Murdaca creates 8-shot cushion at Asia-Pacific Am

At Royal Melbourne Golf Club, a handful of Australians are taking advantage of having the Asia-Pacific Amateur move south to their homeland. Two Aussies lead the field, and five more are T-11 or better.